Linear Static Benchmarks - Volume 1

As part of a complete programme to evaluate standards, robustness, and performance of finite element systems, a series of benchmarks has been developed for NAFEMS in the basic field of linear statics. All of these benchmarks share a common strategy in that they are relatively simple assemblies of elements and yet aim to test specific capabilities of systems in analysing various forms of basic structures subjected to various types of mechanical and thermal loads. Over a three-year period a large number of tests have been developed and evaluated, their strengths and weaknesses exposed, and confidence in quoted targets established by separate analytical solutions whenever possible. All these aspects have been described in series of contractors' progress reports and a small group of six tests have been selected and published as one-page specifications in a NAFEMS report number FEBSTA Rev.1. Most of these tests have been run on a comprehensive number of commercial finite element systems and reported at the NAFEMS Conference in May 1987 or in "Benchmark Magazine.

The intention is to add to the published list more statics benchmarks together with suitable tests for nonlinear structures and materials, dynamics and more ambitious thermal problems. A compendium of tests and codes' performances will consequently be compiled and continually amplified and updated as systems change , In the meantime, it was felt that the NAFEMS community would appreciate a self-contained summary of most of the satisfactory statics benchmarks in single-sheet format. That is the contents of this report.

In addition, we know there is an interest in the reasoning behind these tests, the details of the analytical solutions where appropriate and the expected performace of a typical finite-element solution. The role of these tests as an educational aid for practising engineers has come as a surprising bonus.